Bike4Bart and Watersport Fesival at Andrew Simpson Watersports Centre

About

After the success of the event in 2019, the Andrew Simpson Foundation's annual road cycling event, Bike4Bart will be returning to the Andrew Simpson Centre on Eastern Road, Portsmouth in 2020.

Participating road cyclists of all abilities can take on the epic Meon Valley with three different road cycling routes of varying distances in aid of the Andrew Simpson Foundation. In addition to the cycling event, Bike4Bart 2020 will once again include plenty of land and waterbased activities for people of all ages.

Bike4Bart has been inspired by Olympic Gold and Silver medalist Andrew 'Bart' Simpson MBE, a sailor who passionately believed that everyone should have the chance to try sailing and enjoy the many benefits that it brings. This established iconic event aims to inspire more people into sport and raise funds to enable the Andrew Simpson Foundation to continue to transform young people's lives through sailing.

The journey starts at the Andrew Simpson Centre on the seafront in Portsmouth with all 3 routes heading north, taking you on your first steady climb to Portsdown Hill. Make sure you take a look over your shoulder at the stunning views across the Solent towards the Isle Of Wight and further afield. Once you've reached the top of Portsdown Hill the route starts its meander through the Meon Valley. Stunning villages fly past as you venture deeper into Hampshire and a stunning section of the course called old Winchester Hill. This descent leaves you on the edge of your seat as an avenue of old oak trees steeped in history takes you down to the small village of Warnford. From here the route continues on to the quaint town of Alresford and out to the top of the route at Upton Grey. From here you start your cycle back towards Portsmouth, soaking up the scenery snaking past more beautiful places like Preston Candover. The route starts to follow the River Itchen back to its source at New Cheriton. From here you're starting to make your way to the final climb of the day back up over Portsdown Hill. Take your time to soak up the views once again and then descend back to the venue where you will be greeted with a medal and a beer!

There is more than enough on the Bike4Bart route to keep all levels of cyclists excited and challenged. They cannot wait to welcome you all for this fantastic cause.

"We were thrilled to bring this incredible event to Portsmouth in 2019 and supported by the local community and Partners across the UK, we can ensure access to a wide range of activities and entertainment for all: Funds raised via Bike4Bart will enable the Andrew Simpson Foundation to continue to reach out and engage with young people around the world to develop their life skills and capabilities by making sailing and watersports accessible, creating a hobby and passion for life." Sir Ben Ainslie CBE, founding trustee of the Andrew Simpson Foundation